Did you start off 2016 with hopeful resolutions to exercise more, lose weight or clean out the overstuffed garage?  How did you fare?

Mine was the year of change.  Not necessarily from a resolution, but necessity.  The necessity for more quality time for myself and others.

Was I longing for balance in my life?  No, I was needing change and longing for peace.

Peace of heart and mind to step out and redirect my time and my life.

While working two jobs for many years, I managed to fit in numerous other activities I needed and enjoyed.  Daily morning quiet time with the Lord, several long distance bike rides, trips and time with family and friends, climbing a 14’er and donating blood are just a few activities.  But, at what cost could I continue to maintain this schedule?

I know I’m not the only one

At what point does one reach for the courage to step out to change and say goodbye to the daily grind or the ill effects of our daily routines?

Does one reach the serf mentality in a feudal system?

Does one suffer their health and peace of mind to climb the ladder, to accumulate more wealth, to acquire more and more stuff, to fill their houses and storage units?

Does one look back with regrets of lost time with loved ones, never to be regained?

Does one truly look in the mirror to face their ill effects of addictions or bad choices?

I reached exhaustion from juggling too much.

The solution for me – be still.

In the stillness I realized peace was found during my quiet times with the Lord.  Calm and solitude met me on the mountaintops during my bike rides or hiking a trail.

Help was coming and it was not found in the busyness of this world, but unplugging from the noise, the tension, and the distractions.  Stepping out in faith and letting go of a busy schedule was a year process.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.”  Psalm 121:1&2 NIV

There are many aspects of healing when we surround ourselves in God’s creation.  Here’s a link to a few.

Get Outside! 7 Scientifically-Backed Health Benefits of Being in Nature

Is 2017 your year to say goodbye to the daily grind – to pull away, to be still and find peace?